What is biomedical research?

Biomedical research is the broad area of science that searches for ways to prevent and treat disease in people and animals. Scientists use many research methods that allow them to isolate and study certain features in a living system. The four most common methods include computer simulations, in vitro experiments, epidemiological studies, and animal experiments.

Definitions

• In vitro - experiments taking place in a test tube, culture dish, or elsewhere outside a living organism
• Epidemiological studies - a branch of medical research looking at the incidence, distribution, and possible control of diseases and other factors relating to health

Why are animals sometimes used in biomedical research?

Research animals help us understand the complexities of living organisms and are necessary for developing treatments and preventions of human and animal disease.

How does biomedical research help my pets?

Your veterinarian uses the same antibiotics, hormones, surgical techniques, anesthetics, and many treatments as human doctors. Many animal specific drugs such as vaccines, cancer therapy, and parasite prevention are developed specifically for pets. These drugs and treatments are discovered through biomedical research to help to improve the health and longevity of our pets' lives.